Is Booze The Next Target For Bloomberg?

As public hearings and controversy continue over NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed "Big Gulp Ban," the Department of Health is about to launch a "massive poll" on binge drinking.

“Issues to be explored include behavior patterns around unhealthy alcohol consumption and awareness of existing alcohol-related laws and standards,’’ the department told bidders hoping to conduct the poll. The poll, which should be completed by the end of September, will “oversample” young adults to make comparisons between 18- to 20-year-olds and 21- to 29-year-olds, health officials said. The department declined to divulge questions, saying the survey is still in the drafting stages.

New York state already outlaws "all you can drink" specials, which is why beer must be sold by the glass (or more commonly, by the red Solo cup) even at "beer bust" events.

The ABC Law prohibits from selling, serving, delivering or offering to patrons an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price. The law also requires that licensees prohibit party organizers, promoters, etc., from engaging in this conduct in the licensees’ establishment. The statute also prohibits licensees from creating drink specials which, in the judgment of the Authority, are attempts to circumvent the law. This includes offerings of free drinks, or multiple drinks for free or for the price of a single drink, or for a low initial price followed by a price increment per hour or other period of time.

I have no idea how the above doesn't apply to "open bar" events. Anyone?